Alta Plaza Park Water Conservation Project News – San Francisco Recreation and Parkhttp://sfrecpark.org
Get out and play!Thu, 14 Dec 2017 01:33:42 +0000en-UShourly1https://wordpress.org/?v=4.9.1Alta Plaza Construction Update and On-Site Walk with Project Manager 12/9/2017http://sfrecpark.org/construction-update-and-on-site-walk-with-project-manager-12-9-2017/
Fri, 08 Dec 2017 00:08:16 +0000http://sfrecpark.org/?p=116418Continue reading →]]>The Notice to Proceed was issued (November 29, 2017) by DPW to Azul’s Works, Inc, the General Contractor. The Notice to Proceed, allows the General Contractor to start mobilizing the week of December 4th and install fencing and a job site trailer. Printed banners about the project’s scope of work will be placed on the perimeter fencing – North side of park (at Scott, Jackson and Steiner Streets). There will be an accessible path to restrooms, playground, and tennis courts, which will remain open to the public throughout the project.

Project Background: On September 21, 2017, RPD Commission approved and awarded a construction contract for the Alta Plaza Park – North Side Irrigation and Drainage Project to Azul Works Inc.

Project Description: This project will affect the north side of the park at Scott, Jackson and Steiner Streets which includes:

Replacement of sod and automatic irrigation system;

Installation of Donor Recognition Site;

Install of perimeter drainage system; and

Installation of a concrete driveway up to Donor Site at Scott and Washington.

This project is strictly a sub-surface infrastructure project that will improve the drainage on-site by reducing water usage by 2.5 million gallons per year or 39% water reduction. RPD has worked closely with the Friends of Alta Plaza Park (FOAPP) to develop the master plan which informs all subsequent work for the site including this project.

]]>Update – Alta Plaza Irrigation and Drainage Replacement – North Sidehttp://sfrecpark.org/update-alta-plaza-irrigation-and-drainage-replacement-north-side/
Mon, 16 Oct 2017 18:07:57 +0000http://sfrecpark.org/?p=115662Continue reading →]]>On September 21, 2017 Rec and Park Commission approved to award a construction contract for the Alta Plaza Park – North Side Irrigation and Drainage Project to Azul Works Inc. The scope includes: replacement of sod and automatic irrigation system, installation of perimeter drainage, installation Donor Recognition Circle, and installation of a concrete driveway up to new donor site at Scott Street and Washington Street.

This project will take place below ground to repair an out-dated irrigation system, the project will improve the drainage on-site. and reduce water usage by 2.5 million gallons per year or 39% water reduction. RPD has worked closely the Friends of Alta Plaza Park (FOAPP) to develop the master plan which informs all subsequent work for the site including this project.

]]>Alta Plaza Updatehttp://sfrecpark.org/alta-plaza-update/
Tue, 07 Mar 2017 00:18:16 +0000http://sfrecpark.org/?p=109024Continue reading →]]>The Alta Plaza scope of work has been identified and will include Irrigation, Drainage and Sod replacement. The FOAPP prioritized the Additive Alternates (this means if the budget allows and may not be added if the budget is higher than anticipated) as follows: 1) Scott and Washington Street entrance pathway up to Donor Circle. Site 2) Benches and concrete pads 3) Planting large trees. 4) Planting at entrance beds. We will include the Add Alts in the bid package and confirm final scope once project is awarded. Start of Construction is anticipated for summer 2017. With Construction completion in winter 2017/18.

]]>UPDATE – Alta Plaza Park Water Conservation Projecthttp://sfrecpark.org/update-alta-plaza-park-water-conservation-project-5/
Tue, 10 Feb 2015 21:38:15 +0000http://sfrecpark.org/?p=83100Continue reading →]]>A community-generated master plan for Alta Plaza Park was prepared through the efforts of the Friends of Alta Plaza Park. The proposed master plan is currently undergoing an environmental evaluation. A historic resources report is being prepared for the analysis of cumulative impacts by the proposed improvements. Results of the environmental evaluation is anticipated to take 3-6 months. Once this is finalized, then the proposed master plan shall be presented to the Recreation and Park Commission for action.

In the interim, the Recreation and Park Department, with support from the SFPUC, is identifying resources to address the “no mow” grass on the southern terraces of the park.

For more information, feel free to contact Marvin Yee, Project Manager, at Marvin.Yee@sfgov.org or at (415) 581-2541.

]]>UPDATE – Alta Plaza Park Water Conservation Projecthttp://sfrecpark.org/update-alta-plaza-park-water-conservation-project-4/
Tue, 25 Nov 2014 01:08:57 +0000http://sfrecpark.org/?p=80889The Friends of Alta Plaza Park concluded the community’s master planning process for Alta Plaza Park on November 22, 2014, held at The Waldorf School. The Recreation and Park Department will confer with the Friends to discuss the next steps, including revisions to the draft master plan based on the most … Continue reading →]]>

The Friends of Alta Plaza Park concluded the community’s master planning process for Alta Plaza Park on November 22, 2014, held at The Waldorf School. The Recreation and Park Department will confer with the Friends to discuss the next steps, including revisions to the draft master plan based on the most recent public input, presentation to the Recreation and Park Commission, and implementation of the north-side Water Conservation Project, which is included as Phase 1 of the draft master plan.

Presentation slides from the November 22nd meeting will be available at this link.

Please visit this website in the future for updates. For more information, please contact Marvin Yee, Project Manager, at Marvin.Yee@sfgov.org.

The Recreation and Park Dept. (RPD) would like to take this opportunity to provide an update on the status of improvements for Alta Plaza Park:

o Soil prep work is planned for portions of the south side where extensive weed eradication was recently done. This will occur within the next month after which new no-mow sod will be laid.

o Supervisor Farrell’s FY14-15 budget request to repave the Scott St. entrance and to address the water seepage onto the sidewalk has made it into the City’s budget recommendation. It is now awaiting the Mayor’s signature.

o The Friends of Alta Plaza Park (FOAPP) is shortlisting prospective landscape architects to interview. The selected landscape architect will develop a master plan through a public process for Alta Plaza Park. The planning process is anticipated to begin in the summer and conclude in the fall, then followed by a capital fund-raising campaign. This is an exciting opportunity to share your vision for Alta Plaza Park! Please stay tuned for future announcements.

o To coordinate with the development of this master plan, the City and FOAPP have agreed to reconvene in July/August after public master plan meetings are held to consider modifications to the water conservation project. Meanwhile exploratory work to improve park drainage and address the perimeter water seepage continues, including (a) a video taping of drain lines throughout the park revealing that much of the drain lines are intact; (b) on-going percolation testing along the park perimeter; and (c) a request for cost proposals to remove sidewalk pavers at two locations to investigate possible natural springs beyond park boundaries: 1) Clay/Steiner Streets, and 2) Scott/Washington Streets. This work may begin as early as the end of June.

The Recreation and Park Department appreciates your patience and understanding. Feel free to contact Marvin Yee, Project Manager, at Marvin.Yee@sfgov.org for more information.

The Recreation and Park Dept. (RPD) would like to take this opportunity to provide another update on the status of improvements for Alta Plaza Park:

+ Weed wicking began in early April on the south side of Alta Plaza Park. Weed removal is expected to occur 4/18-4/25. Then RPD will prep larger areas for sod replacement, and re-seed smaller areas during 4/28-5/9.

+ RPD is addressing pathway repair as maintenance. Sections of deteriorating asphalt paving have been identified with markings. Please note that in coordination with Supervisor Farrell RPD requested a FY14-15 General Fund allocation to repave the Scott St. entrance.

+ The Friends of Alta Plaza Park (FOAPP) is soliciting the services of a landscape architect to develop a master plan through a public process for Alta Plaza Park! The planning process is anticipated to begin in the summer and conclude in the fall, then followed by a capital fund-raising campaign. This is an exciting opportunity to share your vision for Alta Plaza Park! Please stay tuned for future announcements.

+ To coordinate with the development of this master plan, the City and FOAPP have agreed to reconvene in July/August after public master plan meetings are held to consider modifications to the water conservation project. Meanwhile exploratory work to improve park drainage and address the perimeter water seepage continues. Activities include:

o Percolation testing along the park perimeter is on-going. These areas will be covered and marked with safety cones for public safety.

o Magic Plumbing will begin video camera to assess the condition of drain lines on 4/22. Work duration is one week.

o The City is preparing an action plan to remove sidewalk pavers at two locations to investigate possible natural springs beyond park boundaries: 1) Clay/Steiner Streets, and 2) Scott/Washington Streets.

The Recreation and Park Department appreciates your patience and understanding. Feel free to contact Marvin Yee, Project Manager, at Marvin.Yee@sfgov.org for more information.

The Recreation and Park Dept. (RPD) would like to take this opportunity to provide an update on the status of improvements for Alta Plaza Park:

* RPD posted the south side of Alta Plaza Park for weed-wick, herbicide application in its heightened effort to eradicate the weed infestation.

* An article in the April issue of the San Francisco Magazine mentions the existence of natural springs in Alta Plaza Park. Click here to read the article. RPD is following up with the sources cited in the article for more information.

* Water appears to be seeping from underneath the sidewalk at Scott/Washington and at Clay/Steiner. The project team is planning to uncover sidewalk flags to investigate.

* Percolation testing along the park perimeter is on-going. These areas will be covered and marked with safety cones for public safety.

* RPD in coordination with Supervisor Farrell’s office has submitted a budget request to repave the Scott St. entrance and to install a French drain to address the water seepage.

* Work orders have been submitted for additional park pathway repair work.

* RPD is meeting with representatives of the Friends of Alta Plaza Park in mid-April to discuss the next steps for the latest planting plan for water conservation. The PowerPoint slides shown at the last community meeting may be found at this link.

]]>UPDATE – Alta Plaza Park Water Conservation Projecthttp://sfrecpark.org/update-alta-plaza-park-water-conservation-project/
Thu, 06 Mar 2014 17:11:30 +0000http://sfrecpark.org/?p=66495Continue reading →]]>The Recreation and Park Department and the Department of Public Works will conduct percolation tests beginning on March 12th. Test holes will be dug two at a time along the perimeter for a total of 6-8 test holes. These holes will be covered up with plywood and marked with safety cones to caution park users. Data gathered from the percolation tests will be used toward engineering a solution to improve site drainage.

]]>Saving Water in Our City Parkshttp://sfrecpark.org/saving-water-in-our-city-parks/
Fri, 21 Feb 2014 00:50:36 +0000http://sfrecpark.org/?p=66232Maintaining beautiful, green park spaces in drought conditions is no simple task, and as an agency that stewards over 4,000 acres of public park land and as one of the largest water users in the city, the San Francisco Recreation and Park Department takes its responsibility to conserve water seriously. … Continue reading →]]>

Maintaining beautiful, green park spaces in drought conditions is no simple task, and as an agency that stewards over 4,000 acres of public park land and as one of the largest water users in the city, the San Francisco Recreation and Park Department takes its responsibility to conserve water seriously.

Since 2008, our department has achieved an 18 percent reduction in water usage in a concerted effort to conserve our precious resources.

Perhaps one of our Department’s most notable efforts to save water in our parks is tied to our Significant Natural Areas Management Plan, which outlines strategic management practices for natural resource protection, habitat restoration, trail and access improvements, capital projects and maintenance in 32 designated areas in our system. By restoring these areas to their native state and protecting biodiversity in these 1,100 acres, the need for irrigation and landscaping is significantly reduced.

Grants from the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission have allowed us to improve our irrigation infrastructure at Jefferson Square, Alta Plaza and Balboa Park, saving an estimated 5.2 million gallons of water per year.

Monies from the voter-approved 2008 and 2012 neighborhood parks bonds have funded upgrades to playground irrigation and drainage systems that have significantly reduced our water usage—check out the new bio-retention pond at Cayuga Playground that captures storm water overflow or the new living roof at Hayes Valley Playground.

We’ve also introduced more permeable paving and drought-resistant landscaping in our parks, and our use of synthetic turf in the renovation of several city sports fields has allowed us to drastically reduce the need for water in their upkeep (while at the same time adding 75,000 hours of additional playtime capacity).

Our move to the use of recycled water at TPC Harding Park Golf Course and Sharp Park Golf Course has also resulted in significant water savings.

Doing More

As of February 3, 2014, the Department has instituted measures to reduce water consumption by an additional 10 percent to meet the City’s goals.Here’s how we’re doing that:

1) Reducing our irrigation operating times by 10 percent

2) Turning off recreational water features that do not have closed water recirculation systems at:

-Mission Playground

-24th & York Mini-Park

-Julius Kahn Playground

-Lafayette Park

-Golden Gate Park Koret Children’s Quarter

3) Reducing the running time of decorative fountains and landscape water features at:

-Golden Gate Park Music Concourse

-Vaillancourt Fountain at Embarcadero Plaza

-Huntington Park

-Kidpower Park

-Potrero del Sol

4) Prioritizing water loss repairs

5) Immediately shutting down irrigation systems that have been vandalized or that are inoperable until repairs can be made

6) Reducing our water usage by 10 percent at recreation and aquatic facilities

7) Refraining from washing vehicles and equipment

Here’s How You Can Help:

Help conserve water in our parks by not leaving water running, playing with water, or over-flushing.

Notify us immediately by calling 3-1-1 if you see leaking water or wayward sprinklers.

Bring hand sanitizer to our parks when possible.

]]>UPDATE – Walk-through for the Alta Park Park Water Conservation Projecthttp://sfrecpark.org/walk-through-for-the-alta-park-park-water-conservation-project/
Fri, 14 Feb 2014 21:18:12 +0000http://sfrecpark.org/?p=66021Continue reading →]]>You are invited to join in a walk-through of Alta Plaza Park to share your observations of park use and landscaping as they relate to the project goal for water conservation. The Alta Plaza Park walk-through is scheduled for 2/20 (Thu) at 4 PM. Please meet at the Scott St. entrance. In case of heavy rain, the walk-through will be rescheduled.

UPDATE: Thank you for the productive participation by neighborhood residents at the walking tour! Your notes will be transcribed and posted on the project website. The next community meeting is scheduled for March 18, 2014, 6:00-7:30 PM at the Town School for Boys at 2750 Jackson Street. (Please enter through the Scott St. entrance.)

]]>Alta Plaza Park Water Conservation Project – UPDATEhttp://sfrecpark.org/alta-plaza-park-water-conservation-project-update/
Wed, 05 Feb 2014 19:29:30 +0000http://sfrecpark.org/?p=64614Continue reading →]]>More than 2 dozen Alta Plaza Park supporters attended the February 4th community meeting to discuss future improvements for water conservation. Thank you for your participation and thoughtful comments! RPD is organizing a park walk-thru to learn more about water conservation opportunities from you. If interested in joining this event or to be added to the mailing list for future notifications, please send an email to Marvin.Yee@sfgov.org.
]]>Alta Plaza Park – Community Questionshttp://sfrecpark.org/alta-plaza-park-community-questions/
Wed, 05 Feb 2014 16:29:36 +0000http://sfrecpark.org/?p=64596Continue reading →]]>Although, issues related to drainage near Steiner and Clay Streets’, and the asphalt at the Scott St. entrance are not part of this project; RPD wants to make sure that the community knows that their safety is of the utmost importance. RPD has applied for General Fund dollars to take care of these safety concerns, brought to our attention by the neighbors. Please contact Supervisor Mark Farrell’s Office and request that this funding be fully allocated. If you are interested in helping raise additional funds in the event that the General Fund monies are not allocated to this project please contact the Friends of Alta Plaza at altaplazapark@yahoo.com.
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